Erika (she/her/hers) is a preschool and K-5 general education teacher, as well as a teacher of students with visual impairments and certified orientation and mobility instructor.

Erika is currently completing her doctoral studies in special education with a focus on visual disabilities. Her emphasis is on self-determination and quality of life indicators, and how direct instruction in skills related to self-determination beginning in preschool brings about long-term improvements for people with visual impairments.

During her involvement with DIRECTO, for the calendar year of 2020, she assisted with the events of the spring series, and worked on getting the word out about the 3^rd annual symposium, assisted in the overall planning of the event, and facilitated its success along with the team members.